what is the conservation of Energy in a simple pendulum?
Answers
In a simple pendulum with no friction, mechanical energy is conserved. Total mechanical energy is a combination of kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy. As the pendulum swings back and forth, there is a constant exchange between kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
Potential Energy
The potential energy of the pendulum can be modeled off of the basic equation
PE = mgh
where g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height. We often use this equation to model objects in free fall.
However, the pendulum is constrained by the rod or string and is not in free fall. Thus we must express the height in terms of θ, the angle and L, the length of the pendulum. Thus h = L(1 – COS θ)
When θ = 90° the pendulum is at its highest point. The COS 90° = 0, and h = L(1-0) = L, and PE = mgL(1 – COS θ) = mgL
When the pendulum is at its lowest point, θ = 0° COS 0° = 1 and h = L (1-1) = 0, and PE = mgL(1 –1) = 0
At all points in-between the potential energy can be described using PE = mgL(1 – COS θ)
Answer:
total energy is conserved in simple pendulum .........
hope it helps u :)